300 WSM Barrel Length

[Jammer65]

Does anybody have any actual chrono experience with a 300 WSM with shorter barrels? I know there will be some velocity loss, but whether or not it would be enough to make any practical difference at nominal hunting ranges (600 yds or less).

 

[MontanaRifleman]

With RL17 I was able to push 180 bullets to 3200 fps out of a long throated 24 3/8" SAKO barrel. With H4350 I got 3000 fps. Either will do the job to well past 600 yds.

 

[Jammer65]

With RL17 I was able to push 180 bullets to 3200 fps out of a long throated 24 3/8" SAKO barrel. With H4350 I got 3000 fps. Either will do the job to well past 600 yds.

Thanks MR. The factory barrel is 24" so I was really looking for velocities in the 22" range.

I know there will be some. It is just a matter of just how much and whether or not it will have a meaninful difference at practical ranges. I built a 22" 260 a while back and there were quite a few people that seemed to think that a 2-4" difference was going to absolutely kill its performance. That was absolutely not the case. There is less than 50 fps difference between it and my heavy 26" long range rifle.

 

[MontanaRifleman]

Depending on powder and bullet you use, I am guessing you will see 20-30 fps per inch in the 300 WSM. Those velocities should still work past 600 yds. Something else to consider is muzzle blast. I'm guessing it will be a good bit more in a 22" 300 WSM vs a 22" 260 Rem